The #2 aluminum is rated 90 amps it can be protected at 90 amps or anything less than 90 amps. This will be the job of the 70 amp breaker at the panel on the pole. You can also some day if you want put in a 90 amp breaker. The new sub must have a main disconnect cause it is in a detached building. It will have a 100 amp breaker in it. It will act as the main disconnect for the barn panel because the 70 will trip before the 100 amp will so the 70 is the feeder protection not the 100 amp in the sub-panel. As long as the pole panel is a 90 or less there is no issue.

Tell Randy to get the aluminum #2 individual wire with a W on the insulation unless they can prove to me that the 3 wire combo stuff is at least USE-2 and can enter a building. What is this 3 wire stuff? Have him read the jacket for the insulation ratings. I don't want this to be an overhead triplex drop not rated for underground conduit.

I just got off the phone with the "Home Depot Electrical 18 year Expert Licensed Electrician" That's what he actually said I am so stressed after that cause he just basically told me that I didn't know what I was talking about.

Anyway, I told Randy to get the panel, the breakers and the 100 amp main for the sub. They don't have a 70 or 90 so I will get that later. I also told them not to cut the tri-plex wire but they did anyway.....I told them too bad, I don't want it. So Randy is getting the 3 single wires #2 that I will pull with the #8 ground. Man I hate Home Depot!!!!!!

Now they called and they only have enough alum#2 for 2 wires. They say they have #4 that can be used as the neutral. Is that correct. Should I have Randy get 120' of the #4 for the neutral or go somewhere else for the #2 alum??????

Also is it true that the panels do not come with a 100 amp breaker already and that we need to buy one for the panel with a Breaker Retaining Kit???

Don't know if you saw the last question. they say they only have enough #2 alum for 2 wires to the barn. They said they have #4 alum that can be used for the neutral. Should I have Randy get the #4 alum for the neutral or try and find more #2 somewhere else??????

USE-2 is good for your needs if that is what the 3 wire stuff is. I don't like reduced neutral but a #4 will work with #2 conductors.

If they can't come up with a 100 amp main breaker panel they need to get out of the business. If all they have is a back fed main breaker panel thats ok but I would shop elsewhere for a main breaker panel. go to lowes or somewhere else for it.

the USE-2 is what is on the #2 single wires that I am getting. If you don't think I should get #4 alum for the neutral, I won't. It would be a shame do do all of this and then do something to get by on the neutral. If you don't like it, I DONT LIKE IT!!!!

Well, Randy had to leave the store short handed. No time to dicker around with them. Anyway, I told him not to get the #4 neutral. We will have to find the #2 somewhere else or wait till they get more. No big deal, I just wanted to get the main wire pulled this weekend but believe me, I have enough other electrical to keep me busy!!!

So, I have a 125 amp panel coming, two 120' #2 aluminum wires....(more to come later), a 100 amp breaker for the new sub panel. The ground bar kit, ground rods etc.

Basically he should have everything except one of the #2 alum. wires and the Challenger breaker for the main pole panel. WHEW!!!!!!